The airline finally confirmed the starting date on Wednesday after being forced to defer its original planned first flight in May due to the coronavirus lockdown.

QantasLink will fly three return flights to Orange on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with plans to extend the service later in the year.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the introduction of services to Orange had followed demand from the city.

"After years of locals calling for the flying kangaroo to fly to Orange, the iconic red tail will touch down there for the first time in a few weeks," he said.

"We are bringing much needed competition to the route, which has been a monopoly for many years.

"These flights to Orange will make it easier for Sydney residents to discover one of NSW's most beautiful regions and its world-class restaurants and wineries."

An airline spokeswoman said they were planning a familiarisation tour for city media on the first flight as part of plans to boost Orange as a destination for tourists on its flights.

QantasLink will now be in competition with Regional Express airlines on the route.

Rex will start Monday-Friday daily return flights to Orange from Sydney from next Monday morning. There will also be an afternoon return flight from Sydney to Orange on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

QantasLink will become the third commercial passenger airline to operate out of Orange with FlyCorporate also providing services to Melbourne and Brisbane.

Mr Gissing said a spike in bookings demonstrated there was "significant pent up demand" for people to take holidays after the coronavirus lockdown.

"These additional flights are coming at the right time for families who've spent much of the recent months confined to their homes and are looking forward to getting out and exploring their own state," he said.

Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said it would provide competition on the route.

"I think it's terrific. It's great for competition," he said.

"I hope it leads to affordable prices and services."

Tourism minister Stuart Ayres said the new services [to Orange and to Ballina also announced on Wednesday] would make it easier for NSW residents to take a break.

"Tourism is a key industry for NSW's North Coast, the wine region of Orange and our Harbour City, so these new flights will provide a lifeline for local communities," he said.